Varicose Veins

Project Description

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins affect 30% of the population and are caused when one-way valves within the vein fail, creating a flow of blood down the leg rather than upwards towards the heart. Blood begins to stagnate and this creates the bulky, prominent appearance typically associated with the condition. Although they are rarely dangerous, symptomatic veins cause aching and discomfort as well as an unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance.

Treatment

Surgery to correct varicose veins has historically centred on removing the damaged vein by stripping it out of the leg altogether. In recent years however, the management of varicose veins has been revolutionised and now includes options which are focused on providing treatment with minimally invasive techniques. These new procedures, which work by destroying the inner lining of the vein, are done under local or no anaesthetic and allow patients to return to their normal duties much quicker than traditional surgery. They are proven to result in less post-operative discomfort and bruising, and leave little or no scarring. The recovery time is much shorter and there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital – in fact, most patients walk in and out of the clinic within 45 minutes.

Further Information

To the right are information leaflets and links to further information

LOCATION

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About Us

Mr Birchley trained at the Royal London Hospital and was appointed as a Consultant Vascular and General Surgeon at the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust in 2010. All of the data relating to Mr Birchley’s major vascular work is submitted to national databases at NHS Choices and the Vascular Services Quality Improvement Programme, where the published outcomes are available to review.